Kia ora!
I'm Kathryn Lauder
NZ Pianist, Music Educator and Composer.
Based in Rotorua, I help people learn, perform, create and connect through Music.
Kia ora!
I'm Kathryn Lauder
NZ Pianist, Music Educator and Composer.
I help people learn, perform, create and connect through Music.
I teach piano in local high schools, online, and from my home studio in Springfield. Alongside teaching, I work as a collaborative pianist for choirs, singers and instrumentalists, and regularly perform in concerts and community events. Learn more
ways to work with me
PIANO LESSONS IN ROTORUA
Expert individual piano tuition for beginners or players ready to advance their skills.
PIANO ACCOMPANYING
For singers, instrumentalists, choirs, and ensembles.
Piano Lessons in Rotorua
Expert individual piano tuition for Rotorua locals - perfect for beginners or players ready to advance their skills
NCEA MUSIC SUPPORT
Online courses providing extra help for NZ students studying piano or harmony for NCEA.
Explore the AS 91421 Learning Programme here
NCEA MUSIC SUPPORT
Online courses providing extra help for NZ students studying piano or harmony for NCEA. Explore the AS 91421 Learning Programme here.
Latest blog posts
How to Create a Simple Improvisation Using Just One Chord
If you learned piano through traditional classical lessons, you were probably trained to read, interpret, and reproduce music exactly as written. Improvising can feel like stepping into a world without instructions — uncertain, exposed, and a little intimidating. Although building a foundation in music theory and understanding harmony is vital to becoming a confident improviser,…
Why understanding harmony makes you a better pianist
If you’ve ever watched an experienced pianist sight-read effortlessly, play by ear, or improvise freely, you’ve probably wondered — how do they do that? The secret often lies in their understanding of harmony. When you understand how chords fit together to create movement and emotion, everything you do at the piano becomes easier, more connected,…
How to learn Music Theory as an Adult
Learning music theory will help you become a better musician. It gives you insight into how music works, helps you to broaden your skills, explore creative possibilities, and interpret the music you play with greater understanding. This article explores some of the different ways that you can study theory to help develop your knowledge and…
"Kathryn is one of those rare people who is extremely talented, both as a performing musician and as a composer, who also has the ability to inspire students and the patience and dedication to help them achieve amazing things." - Trina Sellers
"We really appreciate Kathryn's wonderful piano teaching and her care and love for students beyond just piano. Chloe is super lucky to have her as her piano teacher!" - Clare Slater
